The National Bank has warned of a new fraud scheme using fake messages about a "digital power of attorney". This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
"Fraudsters send Kazakhstanis messages on behalf of the digital government service for citizens or second-tier banks claiming that a 'digital power of attorney' or 'loan' has been issued," the bank says.
The message states that a "digital power of attorney" has been issued in the recipient's name, that it is being used by third parties, or that a loan application has been approved. To clarify the circumstances, the recipient is urged to call the specified number. The main goal of such a message is to frighten the person and force them to call the specified number.
During the phone conversation, fraudsters offer to "cancel the power of attorney", "block the loan application" or "protect the funds", National Bank specialists warn. They then introduce themselves as employees of the National Bank, special state or law enforcement agencies and claim that a loan has been issued in the citizen's name, companies have been registered, suspicious financial operations are being conducted, or an attempt to embezzle funds has been made.
"Under the pretext of preventing such actions, they demand the SMS code, bank card details, installation of a suspicious mobile application, transfer of money to a 'safe', 'insurance' or 'savings' account, or permission for remote control of the mobile device," the message says.
The National Bank recalled that employees of banks, special state and law enforcement agencies do not ask for bank card details, SMS codes, or PIN codes of cards and applications. They also do not suggest transferring money to "safe accounts" or installing applications that allow remote control of a mobile device.
Therefore, upon receiving such a message, one should not call the specified numbers, follow suspicious links, or carry out instructions from unknown persons. To verify information, one should contact the official contact center of the relevant bank or the digital government service for citizens.